Structural members with gripping features and joining arrangements therefor

ABSTRACT

A joining arrangement is provided for use in the construction of stud frame which includes a releasable attachment/detachment feature. The first member (plate) includes in at least one side wall a formation which, when members are joined, engages a corresponding formation in at least one wall of the second member (stud). The formation, such as a V-shaped protrusion, is/are disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member and the formation on the second member is disposed generally parallel to its longitudinal axis such that upon engagement of the first and second members, the respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are in alignment, thereby, securing the first member to the second. Additionally, a plurality of protrusions, which provide a gripping feature, may be formed on the upper surface of web for inhibiting the stud from sliding, slipping, moving and/or migrating within the plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/979,214, filed May 14, 2002, entitled “STRUCTURAL MEMBERSAND JOINING ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR”, the content of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to joining systems and to structuralmembers for use in such joining systems. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to structural members which have gripping featuresformed on the lower and upper base plates which inhibit the verticallyoriented stud from inadvertent slippage, movement and/or migrationwithin the lower and upper base plates.

2. Background of the Invention

Traditionally, light weight construction of metal stud frames employssteel or aluminum stud members which are generally channel shaped andwherein the ends of the stud members engage channel shaped platemembers. A standard form metal stud frame will usually comprise a seriesof spaced apart stud members which each engage via their ends respectiveopposing top and bottom plate members. According to conventionalmethodology, the frames are generally assembled on the ground. Typicalframe construction involves placement of top and bottom plate members inspaced apart opposing relationship whereupon stud members are connectedto the top and bottom plates which traditionally involves engaging theends of the stud with tech screws or the like. These frames may or maynot be braced but in the case where they are not braced with bracingmembers reliance for bracing is placed on tech screws. Unlike externalframes, internal frames used in partitioning are not generally bracedduring construction as bracing is affected by wall cladding fixed to theframe. During construction, stud frames are structurally weak and in thecase of internal frames, they are not effectively braced until the wallcladding is affixed to the frame. A small number of holding screws maybe used to fix some studs to the top and bottom plates. Although a weakform of bracing is created by the conjunction between stud and platemembers which are screwed, no reliance can be placed on the bracing ofthe frame as the unscrewed joins do not offer sufficient strength andresistance against slewing in the circumstance when the frame is liftedinto position.

Installers screw the members together at the point of overlap betweenstud and plate but engagement of studs to plates with limited screwingwill not of itself provide adequate bracing. The profiles of the knownstuds and plates are channel shaped with a planar base and sidewallsextending from and continuous with the edges of said base. Typically, astud mates with a plate by insertion of the end of the stud into thethroat of the plate. The fit is essentially friction grip and there isno resistance against separation of stud from plate until such time astech screws are inserted.

Another method of affixation of studs to top and bottom plates involvesa tab and slot arrangement in which tabs located at the extremity of thewalls of the top and bottom plates engage a corresponding slot in eachwall of the stud members following which the tradesman hammers the tabsso they are oriented at an angle other than normal to the walls of thestud members thereby locking the stud members against the top and bottomplates.

One advantage of this method is that more material is required to formthe channel shaped top and bottom plates. Secondly, additional labor isrequired to bend the tabs into their locking position which can beawkward due to the position of the protruding tabs inside the channelshaped studs. Although the tab and slot method of connection of studs toplates is effective in securing the members, it is tedious and timeconsuming for tradesman to bend the tabs four times for each stud. Theinsertion of tech screws, although used in holding studs to platesduring construction and until the cladding material is affixed to thestud frame is likewise time consuming and does not provide effectivetemporary bracing until all or the majority of the joins are screwed.Other methods of affixation of studs to plates have been used such asriveting, welding or clinching of each stud, all of which methodsinvolve additional labor.

A further prior art method of joining structural members for a studframe involves the use of cooperating and corresponding engagingformations in the walls of both stud and plates. The formations in theplate consist of a securing notch formed in the walls of the mating studand plates. To facilitate stud location, the wall extremities of theplate are abbreviated by upturning of a lip formed at the extremities atthe position where the stud mates with the plate. The additionalmaterial required to form the lip adds to material costs andnecessitates a securing clip which adds to costs in labor and assembly.Another disadvantage of this mode of connection is that the surface areaof engagement is low resulting in low resistance to relative rotation,twisting, and pulling out between stud and plate.

Another prior art method involves the engagement between a formation inthe walls of the top and bottom plates and a corresponding formation instud members. The formations are produced by pressing out of a region ofthe wall of each member so that the formations mate in snap fitmale/female relationship. While this system works well, it necessitatesan additional punching step during production which increases productiontime of the constituent structural members but it does not provide auseful and more convenient alternative to the tab system describedabove. All of the above systems rely on pre-punching and limits orremoves entirely the ability of the installer to move the studs relativeto plates once fitted and where adjustment may be required duringconstruction to accommodate fit and finish errors or window or door sizeirregularities.

Another problem arising particularly in internal stud frame constructionis irregularity in floor to ceiling height in buildings caused by poorconcrete finishing and out of alignments which often necessitatescutting of stud members in regions of reduced height. In a normal studframe, the stud members would be the same height or length but wherethere are irregularities in the ceiling or floor, the frame will not fitunless stud heights are suitably cut to accommodate those differences.This is time consuming and adds additional labor costs to theinstallation. Finally, another disadvantage of the known prior art isthat the vertically oriented studs are prone to sliding, slipping,movement and/or migration within the lower base plate and upper baseplate, particularly, while routing conduit through conduit ports. Forinstance, when the conduit is being pulled through the conduit portsformed in the vertically oriented studs, the conduit tends to catch andpull the studs from their predetermined spacing. Therefore, it would bebeneficial to provide a gripping feature or the like, which will inhibitsuch unwanted sliding, slipping, movement and/or migration within thelower base plate and upper base plate.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to ameliorate the shortcomings of the priorart arrangements by providing an alternative method of joiningstructural members used in the formation of metal stud frames and thelike for use in modular construction of stud frames. Preferably, thearrangements are adapted to suit internal non-load bearing stud framepartitioning. Due to the labor and additional material costs inimplementation of the known methods, there is a need to provide ajoining system which allows quick and efficient joining of structuralmembers of a stud wall frame without having to use any tools such as ahammer, as previously described, and allowing quick, efficient andinfinite positioning of the stud. The joining arrangements, according tothe present invention, further allows convenient, releasable fixation ofa stud to a plate without any further operation to secure the membersafter initial joining. The joining arrangements obviate the need foradditional bracing once the frame is assembled and have the advantagethat each stud/plate join is effectively braced due to theinterengagement of profiled parts formed in the studs and plates.

The present invention also provides a stud member including anadjustable extension member which enables the length of the stud to beadjusted to accommodate on site height variations avoiding the need forinstallers to cut studs to accommodate misalignments.

In another broad form, the present invention comprises: a joiningarrangement for use in the construction of stud frames wherein a firststructural member is releasably attached to a second structural member;wherein, the first member has side walls which include a formation whichwhen members are to be joined, engages a corresponding formation on thesecond member; characterized in that the formation in the side walls ofthe first member is disposed at an angle to its longitudinal axis andthe formation on the member is disposed generally parallel to itslongitudinal axis such that upon engagement of the first and secondmembers, the respective formations in the first and second membersengage, such that they are generally in alignment.

In another broad form, the present invention comprises: a joiningarrangement for use in the construction of stud frames and forreleasable attachment of a first member to a second structural memberforming part of the stud frame; wherein, the first member includes in atleast one side wall a formation which, when members are to be joined,engages a corresponding formation in at least one wall of the secondmember characterized in that the formation in the wall(s) of the firstmember is/are disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of themember and the formation in the second member is disposed generallyparallel to its longitudinal axis such that upon press fittingengagement of the first and second members, the respective formations insaid first and second members engage to secure the first member to thesecond member. According to a preferred embodiment, the respectiveformations in the first and second members allow relative movementbetween the first and second members in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the second member. Preferably, the joiningarrangement is used in the construction of internal stud frames in suchapplications as partitioning.

In another broad form, the present invention comprises: a joiningarrangement enabling releasable attachment of first and secondstructural members used in the construction of a stud frame, wherein thejoining arrangement comprises a formation in the first member disposedat an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member and which engage acorresponding formation in the second member which is disposed generallyin alignment with the longitudinal axis of the second member such thatthe respective formations in the first and second members cooperate toreleasably attach the first member to the second member, wherein thejoining arrangement allows relative movement between the first andsecond members. According to a preferred embodiment, the relativemovement enables movement of the first member along a direction parallelto the longitudinal axis of the second member.

In another broad form of the present invention comprises: a joiningarrangement for joining structural members for use in construction of astud frame wherein the arrangement comprises: a formation in opposingwalls of the first member which engages a corresponding formationopposing walls of the second member; wherein the formation in the wallsof the first member are disposed normally to the longitudinal axis ofthe member and the formation in the walls of the second member aredisposed in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the second membersuch that the respective formations in the first and second members uponengagement align and allow the first member freedom of movement relativeto and in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the second member.

According to the preferred embodiment, the first member is rotated intoits position of engagement with the second member and can be released byrotation in the opposite direction. Preferably, the formations in thefirst and second members comprise inwardly directed recesses whichinterfit it male/female engagement.

In another form of the present invention comprises: a structural memberfor use in a stud frame and which joins with top and bottom plates ofthe stud frame; characterized in that the member is a stud whichincludes an extension element capable of relative movement therebyallowing adjustment to the length of the stud to accommodate floor toceiling height variations.

Preferably, the adjustment is telescopic wherein the extension membermay be extended and retracted to adjust the length of the member to suitfloor to ceiling height.

The ends of the elements may be adapted with any of the foregoingjoining systems herein described but ideally would include an extensionmember which allows for relative longitudinal movement of a first memberrelative to a second member.

In its broadest form of the method aspect, the present inventioncomprises: a structural member for use in a building structure such as astud frame, wherein the member comprises at least a web and sidewallsdepending from the web; characterized in that the structural memberfurther includes a formation in at least one of the walls which engagesa corresponding formation in at least a second mating structural memberto releasably secure the structural member to the mating member.

Preferably, the formations are disposed either parallel or normal to thelongitudinal axis of the structural member and comprise a recess in theexternal face of at least one wall and a projection on an inside face ofat least one wall wherein the internal projection is formed by theexternal recess.

Preferably each of the walls of said structural member have at least oneformation which are the same length as one dimension of said walls.According to one embodiment, the formations are parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the structural member. Preferably, the formationsare located proximate the web and on opposing faces of said walls witheach at the same distance from the web.

According to one embodiment, the formations are normal to thelongitudinal axis of the structural member and are located at or nearone or both ends of the structural member. Preferably, when theformations are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member, themember is capable of mating with a mating member with formations whichare normal to the longitudinal axis of the member, such that the membersare detachably fixed to each other. According to a preferred embodiment,the structural member is telescopic and includes an outer member and aninner member, wherein the members move relative to each other such thatone of the members moves between a retracted states in which is itnested in the other member and an extended states in which the member ispartially or fully extended relative to said other member. Preferably,one of the members is an extension member which includes a formationwhich is capable of engaging a mating member. The extension member ispreferably substantially shorter than the other member.

In another broad form according to the method aspect, the presentinvention comprises: a method of construction of a stud frame using studframe using structural members each comprising at least a web andsidewalls depending from the web; characterized in that the membersinclude a formation in at least one of the walls of a first of themembers which engages a corresponding formation in a second member tosecure the structural member to the mating member; the method comprisingthe steps of:

a) taking the first structural member including a formation in at leastone of the sidewalls;

b) taking the second structural member the same or similar to the firststructural member;

c) taking a third structural member and setting it in opposingrelationship to the first member;

d) taking the second structural member, including a formation in atleast one wall of the member and which is normal to the longitudinalaxis the second member;

e) placing a first end of the second member into engagement with thefirst member and a second end of the second member into engagement withthe third member such that respective formations on the first and secondand the third and second members mutually engage to hold the members indetachable engagement;

f) taking a fourth and subsequent members and joining a first end of thefourth and subsequent members with the first structural member;

g) engaging a second end of the fourth and subsequent members with thethird structural member;

Preferably, the method includes the further steps of repeating steps f)and g) until a stud frame of predetermined length is formed.

Preferably, the method includes the further step prior to engagement ofany one or more of the fourth and subsequent members of telescopicallyextending the length of one or more of the fourth and subsequent membersto accommodate height variations in a space defined by the first andthird members. Preferably, the first and second ends of the fourth andsubsequent members are positively rotated into snap fit engagement withthe first and third members.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality ofprotrusions are formed on the upper side of the web of at least one ofthe lower and upper base plate. The protrusions are provided to inhibitthe vertically oriented stud from inadvertent slippage, movement and/ormigration within the lower and upper base plates. Other exemplaryembodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertainedby reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described according to preferred butnon-limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanyingillustrations wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a joining arrangement for twostructural members including respective formations in the walls of themembers according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of respective ends of a typical stud andplate according to one embodiment of the invention prior to engagement;

FIG. 3 shows an assembled view of the arrangement in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows an elevational view of a typical stud and plate frameaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an engagement between an intermediatestud and bottom plat in the frame of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the arrangement of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a telescopic stud member according toa preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a telescopic stud member according toan alternative embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows an abbreviated perspective section of a stud frame showingmating between telescopic studs and plate according to a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a stud member according to analternative embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a stud member including an extensionmember with a flared end for biased engagement with a plate;

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a plate whichincludes a plurality of protrusions formed on the upper side of the web,according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the plate from FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the plate from FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular shown herein are by way of example and purposes ofillustrative discussions of the embodiments of the present inventiononly and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to bethe most useful and readily understood description of the principles andconceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attemptis made to show structural details of the present invention in moredetail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of thepresent invention, the description taken with the drawings make itapparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of thepresent invention may be embodied and practiced.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of an assembly 1for joining two structural members 2 and 3 according to a preferredembodiment of the invention. Structural member 2 is preferably channelshaped and includes a web 4 to which is connected opposing walls 5 and 6which terminate in respective flanges 7 and 8.

Wall members 5 and 6 have formed therein respective formations 9 and 10which each define inwardly directed recesses. Formations 9 and 10 may beintroduced into member 2 by means of a roll forming step duringproduction of member 2. In the preferred embodiment, the formations 9,10 have a generally V-shaped cross-section. Member 2 is preferablyemployed as a stud for use in metal frame construction and is adaptedfor releasable attachment to member 3 which acts as either a top orbottom plate in a metal stud frame. Member 3 is generally channel shapedand includes web 11 to which is connected opposing walls 12 and 13 whichterminate in free ends 14 and 15. Walls 12 and 13 include formations 16and 17 defining respective inwardly directed male protrusions 18 and 19and external female recesses 20 and 21. In the preferred embodiment, themale protrusions 18 and 19 (and external female recesses 20 and 21) havea generally V-shaped cross-section. Although respective formations 9,10, 16 and 17 are inwardly directed, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that the formations may be reversed such that themale formations would project outwardly relative to the walls in whichthey are formed. Furthermore, the aforementioned protrusions may haveother cross-sectional shapes such as semicircular, notches, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the stud and plate arrangement ofFIG. 1 showing the rotation of a stud 2 relative to plate 3 prior tomutual engagement thereof. The arrangement shown is typical ofengagement between a stud and bottom plate. Engagement takes place byrotation of stud 2 in the general direction of arrow 22 to allow stud 2to be urged into position by press fit in the direction of arrow 23.FIG. 3 shows the final engagement positions of stud 3 and plate 3. Thearrangement shown in FIG. 3 is the typical engagement which would occurat locations 24 and 25 of frame 26 shown in FIG. 4.

On site, stud frames are generally assembled on the floor according toengineering plans which indicate to the assembler the positions of thestud members. The positions of the studs are critical to ensureelimination of cumulative error along the length of the frames, evenspacing and to allow for locations of doors and windows. Location of thestud members is also critical to ensure that frame members match thelocation of joins in cladding affixed to the frames to ensure that thecladding joins are rigidly supported. Where the top and bottom plates ofa stud frame are prefabricated with formations which dictate the exactlocation of the studs, there is no inherent flexibility in thepositioning of the studs to accommodate misalignment of a cladding joinwith a stud. Correcting stud location for this misalignment isdifficult, if not impossible, with the tab and slot joining systems andalso with the existing systems employing corresponding formationspressed into the walls of the plate and stud members as relativemovement between stud and plate is not available once the members arefitted.

According to the invention, the joining arrangement allows for therelative movement between stud members and top and bottom plate membersto adjust for any misalignments between cladding and studs and wherefine adjustments may be required to accommodate windows and doors. Thisis achieved by means of a snap fit connection between stud and platewhich provides a strong connection yet allowing relative movementbetween stud and plate members so the stud may be relocated at anyposition along the length of the plate members. The formation in thewalls of the stud may travel the full length of the member or they maybe intermittent. In the latter case, the studs will be adjustable alongthe length of the plate over the full length of the formation. With thischoice for the formation, the movement flexibility of the studs relativeto the plates will either be absolute along the full length of the plateor over a predetermined distance in the stud location. In the lattercase, the formation in the walls of the plate will occur over a shortdistance in the region of a predetermined stud position.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a typical intermediate joint 27 ofthe frame 26 of FIG. 4 in which intermediate stud 28 engages plate 3.Stud 28 is able to move longitudinally along plate 3 in the direction ofarrow 29, thereby allowing fine adjustments to the position of the stud3 to accommodate stud spacing requirements, joins in cladding orpositions of windows or doors.

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the arrangement of FIG. 5 and the nature ofthe mating engagement between stud 28 and plate 3. According to oneembodiment, stud 28 includes an opening 30 formed therein whichaccommodates material such as, but not limited to, service conduits. Acommon problem which exists in frame installation is ceiling to heightirregularities in buildings. This may occur where concrete finishing isuneven creating fit problems for stud frames. According to presentmethodology, this problem is addressed by cutting individual studs tofit the distance between bottom and top plates. This is time consumingduring construction of frames and adds to labor costs. This problem isovercome according to one aspect of the present invention by providingan extendible stud which eliminates the need for cutting to suit ceilingto height irregularities. According to one embodiment, there is provideda telescopic stud which includes an extension member which moves betweena retracted state in which the stud is a first minimum length and anextended state in which the stud is extended from the minimum length upto a maximum length.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a structural member 40 according to apreferred embodiment including telescopic elements 41 and 42 whichenable extension and retraction to a predetermined distance. Elements 41and 42 are channel shaped and are arranged such that element 42 fitsinside a channel formed by element 41.

In the event of floor to ceiling height misalignments in a structure towhich a stud frame is to be fitted, member 40, due to its telescopicextension capability eliminates the need for an on site measuring andcutting where studs are formed to be too long or too short. This reduceson site time and labor costs.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, element 42 includesformations 43 and 44 and element 41 includes formations 45 and 46. Thesemate with corresponding top and bottom plate members according to thearrangements previously described allowing longitudinal adjustmentrelative to the plates in addition to vertical adjustment in thedirection of arrow 47. During the cold forming of element 42, flanges 48and 49 are crushed at regions 50 and 51 as formations 43 and 44 areintroduced into element 42. Likewise, flanges 52 and 53 are crushed inthe regions of 54 and 55 as formations 45 and 46 are introduced intoelement 41.

FIG. 8 shows a telescopic stud element 60 according to an alternativeembodiment. Stud 60 comprises elements 61 and 62 which are capable oftelescopic adjustment in the direction of the arrow 63. Stud 60 furthercomprises an element 62, formations 64 and 65 which engage correspondingformations in a plate in a manner previously described. Likewise,element 61 comprises formations 66 and 67 which will engage a bottomplate as previously described.

FIG. 9 shows a section of the frame of FIG. 4 defined by line X-X andinclude junction 70 and end junction 71. Junction 71 is formed by matingof telescopic stud 72 and top plate 73. As telescopic stud 72 comprisestelescopic elements 74 and 75, stud 72 may extend to increase the localheight of the frame. Likewise, intermediate stud 76 which compriseselements 77 and 78 may also extend in which case that portion of theframe can be extended or retracted in the direction of arrows toaccommodate height variations.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative stud 90 comprising telescopic elements 91and 92. This is a more conventional stud profile without formations inthe ends of elements 91 and 92 to engage with corresponding plateprofiles as previously described. Element 92 includes a tab 93 whichprovides a bearing shoulder for urging element 92 in a direction ofarrow 94 to accommodate height variations.

FIG. 11 shows stud 90 of FIG. 10 including flared ends on element 92.This arrangement allows element 92 to engage a top plate with a positivebias thereby increasing frictional fit between stud and plate. Thisarrangement can also be introduced into the end of element 91 whichwould engage a bottom plate.

FIGS. 12-14 show an alternative embodiment of the present inventionwhich provides a plurality of protrusions or knurls 102 formed on theupper or exposed side of web I 1 of the plate 100 which function asgripping or frictional features. Preferably, the protrusions 102 arepunched from the bottom side of the web through the top side of the websuch that they form a gripping surface on the top side of web 11. It isnoted, however, that the protrusions, knurls or the like 102 may beformed by any other metal forming method which accomplishes the sameeffect. The protrusions 102 are formed in the web 11 in order to inhibitthe studs 2, 40, 60, 90 or the like (see FIGS. 1-11) from sliding,slipping, moving and/or migrating. For instance, the protrusions 102will substantially prevent unwanted slippage, migration and/or movementwhen conduit is being run through at the opening 30 provided in thevertically oriented studs 2. It is further noted that the height, size,spacing, number protrusions per area unit may be adjusted to increasethe frictional and gripping effect that the protrusions/knurls 102provide.

It will be recognized by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadlydescribed herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope ofthe invention. The particular shown herein are by way of example andpurposes of illustrative discussions of the embodiments of the presentinvention only and are presented in the cause of providing what isbelieved to be the most useful and readily understood description of theprinciples and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In thisregard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the presentinvention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamentalunderstanding of the present invention, the description taken with thedrawings make it apparent to those skilled in the art how the severalforms of the present invention may be embodied and practiced.

Although the invention has been described with reference to severalexemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have beenused are words of description and illustration, than words oflimitation. Changes may be made within the preview of the appendedclaims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention and its aspects. Although theinvention has been described with reference to particular means,materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limitedto the particulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to allfunctionally equivalent structures, methods and such uses are within thescope of the appended claims.

1. A system for interconnecting and framing studs, comprising: a first structural member adapted to be positioned atop a surface in a horizontal orientation, said first member having a channel-shaped cross-section including a first planar web side with a plurality of protrusions formed on an upper surface thereof, and a pair of opposing parallel vertical walls integrally connected to said first planar web side, each vertical wall having an inwardly directed male protrusion formed continuously along a substantial length of said first member, each inwardly directed male protrusion integrally formed and directly positioned adjacent a respective longitudinal edge of said first planar web; and at least one second structural member having a first and second terminus end, said first end adapted to be transversely interconnected to said first member in a vertical and perpendicular orientation to said first member, each second member having a channel-shaped cross-section including a vertically oriented second planar web side and a second pair of opposing parallel vertical walls integrally connected to said second planar web side, each vertical wall having an inwardly projecting flange integrally formed to an outer edge of said vertical wall such that said flanges are coplanar with each other, and an inwardly protruding female recess integrally formed directly adjacent to said first and second terminus ends of said second member in each vertical wall and extending substantially the entire width of said vertical wall; wherein one of said first or second terminus ends of said at least one second structural member is adapted to be interconnected within said first structural member by inserting a selected terminus end into said first structural member and twisting said second member until said inwardly directed male protrusions of said first member are received, aligned and interconnected with said inwardly protruding female recesses of said second member to form a perpendicularly interconnected structural framing joint between said first and second structural members; wherein said plurality of protrusions formed on the upper side of said first planar web are provided for inhibiting said at least one second structural member from sliding within said first structural member.
 2. The system according to claim 2 further comprising a third structural member adapted to be positioned atop said second terminus end of said at least one second structural member in a horizontal orientation, said third member having a channel-shaped cross-section and including a third planar web side including a plurality of protrusions formed on a lower side thereof, and a third pair of opposing parallel vertical walls integrally connected to said third planer web, each vertical wall having an inwardly directed male protrusion formed continuously along a substantial length of said third member, each inwardly directed male protrusion integrally formed and directly positioned adjacent a respective longitudinal edge of said third planar web; wherein the other of said first and second terminus ends of said at least one second structural member is adapted to be interconnected within said third structural member by inserting the respective other terminus end into said third structural member and twisting said second member until said inwardly directed male protrusions of said third member are received, aligned and interconnected with said inwardly protruding female recesses of said second member to form a perpendicular interconnected structural framing joint between said third and second structural members; and wherein said plurality of protrusions disposed on said lower side of said web of said third structural member are provided for inhibiting said at least one second structural member from sliding within said third structural member.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said inwardly directed male protrusions and inwardly protruding female recesses have V-shaped cross-sections which are adapted to be received by each other.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said second planar web side of said at least one second structural member includes at least one opening for accommodating conduits.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one second structural member includes a telescopic feature allowing said at least one second structural member to be either lengthened or shortened in the longitudinal direction to accommodate floor to ceiling height misalignments.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein each second structural member comprises an inner and outer element, wherein said inner element is adapted to closely fit within and interface with said outer element such that said inner element is may slidably move within said outer element.
 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein crushed regions are formed on said inwardly projecting flanges substantially proximate said inwardly protruding female recesses on said second structural member.
 8. A system for interconnecting and framing studs, comprising: a first longitudinal structural member adapted to be positioned atop a surface in a horizontal orientation, said first member having a channel-shaped cross-section including a first planar web side defined by a pair of opposing parallel edges, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on an upper surface of said first planar web side, and a pair of opposing parallel vertical walls are integrally connected to said pair of opposing parallel edges, each vertical wall having an inwardly directed male V-shaped protrusion formed therein, said V-shaped protrusion positioned adjacent each opposing edge of said first planar web and extending a substantial length of said first member; and at least one second longitudinal structural member having a first and second terminus end, said first end adapted to be transversely interconnected to said first member in a vertical and perpendicular orientation to said first member, each second member having a channel-shaped cross-section including a vertically oriented second planar web side defined by a pair of vertically oriented parallel edges and a second pair of opposing parallel vertical walls integrally connected to said pair of vertically oriented opposing parallel edges defining said second planar web side, each vertical wall having an outer edge with an inwardly projecting planar flange integrally formed to said outer edge such that each flange is coplanar with each other and opposes said second planar web in a parallel manner, and an inwardly protruding V-shaped female recess integrally formed adjacent to said first terminus end of said second member in each vertical wall in a perpendicular orientation with respect to said second planar web, said female recess extending substantially the entire width of said vertical wall; wherein said first terminus end of said at least one second structural member is interconnected within said first structural member by inserting said first terminus end into the open ended side of said first structural member and twisting said second member until said inwardly directed V-shaped male protrusions of said first member are received, aligned and interconnected with said inwardly protruding V-shaped female recesses of said second member to form a perpendicularly interconnected structural framing joint between said first and second structural members; wherein said plurality of protrusions formed on the upper side of said first planar web are provided for inhibiting said at least one second longitudinal structural member from sliding within said first longitudinal structural member.
 9. The system according to claim 8 further comprising an inwardly protruding V-shaped female recess integrally formed adjacent to said second terminus end of said second member in each vertical wall in a perpendicular orientation with respect to said second planar web, said female recess extending substantially the entire width of said vertical wall.
 10. The system according to claim 9 further comprising a third longitudinal structural member adapted to be positioned atop said second terminus end of said at least one second structural member in a horizontal orientation, said third member having a channel-shaped cross-section and including a third planar web side defined by a third pair of opposing parallel edges, said web including a plurality of protrusions formed on a lower side thereof, and a third pair of opposing parallel vertical walls integrally connected to said pair of opposing parallel edges, each vertical wall having an inwardly directed V-shaped male protrusion having a generally V-shaped cross-section integrally formed in said vertical wall adjacent each opposing edge of said third planar web and extending a substantial length of said third member; wherein said second terminus end of said at least one second structural member is interconnected within said third structural member by inserting said second terminus end into the open ended side of said third structural member and twisting said second member until said inwardly directed V-shaped male protrusions of said third member are received, aligned and interconnected with said inwardly protruding female recesses of said second member to form a perpendicular interconnected structural framing joint between said third and second structural members; and wherein said plurality of protrusions disposed on said lower side of said web of said third longitudinal structural member are provided for inhibiting said at least one second longitudinal structural member from sliding within said third longitudinal structural member.
 11. The system according to claim 8, wherein said second planar web side of said at least one second structural member includes at least one opening for accommodating conduits.
 12. The system according to claim 8, wherein said at least one second structural member includes a telescopic feature allowing said at least one second structural member to be either lengthened or shortened in the longitudinal direction to accommodate floor to ceiling height misalignments.
 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein each second structural member comprises an inner and outer element, wherein said inner element is adapted to closely fit within and interface with said outer element such that said inner element is may slidably move within said outer element.
 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein crushed regions are formed on said inwardly projecting flanges substantially proximate said inwardly protruding female recesses on said second structural member when said female recesses are formed on said first and second terminus ends of second structural member. 